CSU Community-Engaged Learning Tool

The Chancellor's Office, Center for Community Engagement (COCCE) is in the process of aligning an understanding of community engagement across the system. The COCCE uses community-engaged learning (CEL)* as the umbrella term to identify a broad array of courses in which community engagement is embedded. This definition is the foundation for a larger data collection effort around these student learning experiences. It was used to develop a Taxonomy for community-engaged learning courses that presents the essential elements for CEL and outlines the implementation spectrum for CEL Courses. CSU-CEL Taxonomy: Classifying a Student — Centered Approach to Community-Engaged Learning Courses (.pdf)

The following form (CEL Tool) provides a series of questions based on the Taxonomy. It is designed for CSU faculty to identify where a course falls along the spectrum of CEL; resulting in the assigning of one of two attributes in the Student Information System: service-learning (CSLI) or curricular community-engaged learning (CCEL).

The CEL Tool will allow the CSU to capture meaningful data across the system to better support faculty and work towards appropriate recognition for this work. It also offers insight into curriculum design that may help shape and improve student learning. Check out the FAQs Faculty Guide. 

Tips for Completing the CEL Tool

1. Watch this 5 minute video on how to complete the CEL Attribute Survey.
2. The form captures information for one course at a time.
3. Complete the form based on how you are currently teaching the CEL course.
4. Review the CEL Taxonomy 
5. Be prepared to spend approximately 15 minutes to complete the form.
6. Click on any red text for additional information.
7. Have course materials available; they may be helpful to reference.

*For more information about the CSU's systemwide CEL definitions see page two here.